Don't abandon dreams when life gets tough

"Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers. Unless these men remain in the ship, you cannot." ­

- Acts 27:31 (AMP)

How many times have you felt like giving up? The obstacles are too tough. You can't seem to get the hang of things. The goals you set seem like they are beyond your reach.

My niece found her self-esteem had suffered. She had experienced two abusive marriages, which were behind her, and she was trying to get her life on track. She longed for a different life for herself and her three daughters. Determined to make a change, she set her sights on nursing school. But in order to fulfill her goal she faced many obstacles.

She studied many hours and worked to support her family. She found learning new things didn't come as easily for her as it did for others and she failed many exams and classes. She had to get special tutors in order to make it through. She was frustrated and often asked why things had to be so hard.

But in the midst of her failures, she didn't jump ship and give up. She set her sights to fulfill her plan. With God's help and determination, she met her goal and changed her life.

The apostle Paul also faced a stormy situation. He was on a ship in the middle of a hurricane. The men on board were running out of food and courage. Paul prayed and God sent an angel who gave him instructions that no man was to jump or they wouldn't survive.

When we face the storms of life, many times we want to abandon our mission. We want to leave our job or quit pursuing our goals. We need to make sure how God is directing us, because he could have the same message for us - don't jump or you won't make it. You won't fulfill the good plan God has for your life.

Whether your goal could be peace in your job, confidence in what you do, or some other vision you have, remember, visions don't come to pass overnight. Keep moving forward. Even if you don't see any progress for a long time, stay on board your ship.

• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She will be speaking at Panera Bread Thursday July, 23, at 7 p.m. She is available to speak to your group. She can be contacted at Annetteebudzban@aol.com or call (847) 543-8413.